Clay Center announces fall season

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Classic rock, "Mountain Stage" and the Charleston Light Opera Guild's take on a Broadway giant highlight the 2013 fall season at the Clay Center.

The fall season, announced Tuesday morning at the Clay Center, officially kicks off at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 with the second "Mountain Stage" show this year at the arts and science center.

The program will feature performances by several returning guests, including indie music icon Ani DiFranco, roots rockers Dawes and jazz/brass band Red Baraat as well as singer-songwriter Dave Mason.

At 8 p.m. Oct. 11, Dennis DeYoung will come to the Clay Center, performing songs from the hit catalog of '70s progressive rock band Styx.

The Doobie Brothers come Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The band will perform contemporary material from their 2010 release "World Gone Crazy" as well as some of its better-known hits like "Black Water" and "Listen to the Music."

In November, the Clay Center will co-present "Les Misérables" with the Charleston Light Opera Guild. Shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, 2, 8 and 9 and 2 p.m. Nov. 3 and 10.

Along with the regular season, the Clay Center is offering four special add-on performances. All these shows start at 7:30 p.m.

They are: R&B legend Diana Ross on Aug. 21, the Beach Boys on Sept. 22 and jazz singer/piano player Diana Krall and her "Glad Rag Doll World Tour" on Oct. 20. And, on Dec. 3, The Clay Center and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra co-present "Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas," a holiday show showcasing the talents of the critically acclaimed all-female musical quartet backed by the WVSO.

Clay Center CEO Judy Wellington and WVSO President David Gross said the partnership had been a long time coming, but they were pleased to be able to collaborate in the upcoming season.

Season tickets are on sale and cost $110, $128 or $145, based on seating.

Single tickets for Diana Ross are $55, $69, $89 and $115. Tickets for the Beach Boys are $45, $58, $68 and $75. Tickets for Diana Krall are $40, $60, $75 and $89. Tickets for Celtic Woman with the WVSO are $45, $65, $79 and $89.

Current season-ticket holders have until 5 p.m. June 2 to renew and receive seating priority. Single tickets for all performances go on sale July 1 at 10 a.m., but season-ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase the add-on shows in advance.